Asean-China ink deals on media sector cooperation

FILE: .@pcoogov Secretary @martinandanar being interviewed by CCTV during the @asean2019 Summit in Thailand. (Photo: pcooglobalmedia/Twitter)

MANILA — Three media sector deals were signed between Asean member-states and China expected to benefit journalists and media professionals in their respective states, a Palace official bared on Monday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said the deals between governments of Asean and China include: communication on media policies and issues; cooperation on news coverage and materials and information dissemination that strengthens synergy between China (and) countries involved; and media content cooperation through co-production of films, TV series, documentaries, and new media content.

Andanar welcomed the signing of the media sector deals which he expects would help enhance the skills and capabilities of Filipino journalists and media professionals.

“We welcome the opportune agreements established between Asean and China with regards to exchanges, cooperation, and joint development in the said countries’ media sector. It reaffirms the importance of the multi-faceted relations between Asean and China,” Andanar said in a statement.

Andanar said the media sector deals will help foster growth for each nation’s respective media industry through discussions, learnings, and collaborations.

The deals also aim to encourage participation in the film and TV festivals of China and the said countries; intensify cooperation in research and development in media technology and equipment production; and encourage education and training through exchanges and workshops for media professionals from China and Asean countries, he added.

He described the signing of the deals as “important” especially at a time when disinformation and proliferation of fake news can harm relations between countries.

“As media is responsible towards connecting and bridging people towards understanding and appreciation, undertaking these exchanges and cooperation are necessary initiatives towards building mutual trust and understanding, and maximizing the potentials of mutual growth among journalists,” Andanar said.

Andanar, meanwhile, vowed to produce “quality media commodities in the forms of films, documentaries, and radio shows, among others”.

He also expressed hope that these agreements would only be the start of relations that will further elevate the region’s media and nurture cultural understanding.